The Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI), MACNY, The Manufacturers Association’s talent development engine and a nonprofit dedicated to powering the advancement of manufacturing by connecting talent, training, and industry, has been awarded $1.062 million from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to support workforce development for New York’s emerging advanced nuclear energy sector.

The award is part of $10 million in NYPA funding announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to support workforce development programs designed to prepare thousands of New Yorkers for careers connected to the state’s advanced nuclear industry. The funding is part of NYPA’s broader $40 million commitment to developing New York’s nuclear workforce under the state’s NextGen Nuclear New York initiative.

Through the investment, MTI will develop and deliver a specialized training program in Central New York that will provide participants with nearly 200 hours of hands-on welding training, opportunities to earn recognized welding certifications, and comprehensive support services designed to help participants successfully complete training and enter careers in advanced manufacturing and the nuclear supply chain.

Wraparound services will include childcare, transportation, meals, and coaching, helping remove barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing and completing industry-aligned training.

“As manufacturers grow and new energy-intensive industries take root, advanced nuclear power will help provide the energy needed to attract investment, strengthen our industrial base, and create high-quality jobs. Reliable, affordable, and dependable electricity is essential to the future of manufacturing in New York. MACNY is committed to advancing nuclear energy as part of New York’s manufacturing future — and to helping prepare the skilled workforce and supply chain this industry will need. Workforce development must move forward alongside energy investment so New Yorkers are ready to build, operate, and support the next generation of nuclear energy,” said Randy Wolken, President and CEO of MACNY.

The funding builds on MTI’s work connecting individuals with training and career opportunities throughout the manufacturing industry and strengthens its capacity to respond to emerging workforce needs. MTI will work with industry and workforce partners to ensure training reflects the skills and credentials needed for advanced manufacturing careers.

“This investment will allow MTI to bring together hands-on technical training, industry-recognized credentials, and the support services participants need to succeed. By connecting people to opportunity and manufacturers to the skilled workforce they need to succeed, we can help ensure New Yorkers are prepared to participate in the next generation of advanced manufacturing,” said Michael Frame, Executive Vice President of MACNY and Executive Director of MTI.

NYPA’s investment in MTI is one of six awards announced as part of the first round of funding under its nuclear workforce development initiative. Other recipients include the Workforce Development Institute and New York State Building & Construction Trades Council, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Jamestown Community College, SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center and SUNY Stony Brook. Collectively, the awards will support workforce training pathways across New York State.

NYPA has identified workforce development as a critical component of its efforts to support the development of at least 1 gigawatt of advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York. The Power Authority has committed $40 million toward nuclear workforce development initiatives designed to build the skilled workforce needed to support the deployment and operation of advanced nuclear facilities.

For MTI, the award represents an opportunity to expand proven workforce development practices into an emerging industry while creating accessible pathways for Central New Yorkers to gain technical skills, industry credentials and connections to career opportunities.

Additional information about MTI’s advanced nuclear workforce training program, including participant eligibility and enrollment opportunities, will be announced as program development progresses.